Our Emotional Body
After almost 20years in clinical practice, certains patterns tend to become evident when working hands on with our patients like we do at Halo Wellness & Chiropractic. Often our clients tell us they leave feeling both physically & psychologically better. As holistic chiropractors, we intimately recognise the connection between our physical being and emotional/ mental wellbeing, where in practice we can sometimes see unresolved emotional issues manifest as physical ailments.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides an insightful perspective. In TCM, it is believed that emotional imbalances can act as both symptoms and causes for physical issues. Additionally, mental health conditions are linked to specific physical ailments of key organs. According to TCM, emotions are narrowed down to five basic feelings that are each associated with a corresponding element and organ in the body:
Anger: Linked to the liver.
Fear: Associated with the kidneys.
Joy: Connected to the heart.
Sadness and grief: Related to the lungs.
Worry: Tied to the spleen.
Here are 3 Techniques to Help:
Breath work - deep mindful breathing can help activate our parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest system) and help release stress stored in our body and aid in calming anxiety. A simple technique is diaphragmatic breathing—breathe deeply into your belly, hold for a few seconds, then slowly breathe out. As you breathe, focus on releasing tension in your body and imagine the negative emotional state leaving with each breath out.
Journaling - a simple yet powerful tool for releasing emotional trauma. Set aside a particular time of the day where you write what you are feeling, about any emotion or experience that comes up, whether that be anger, sadness, happiness or fear. Don't hold back, allow yourself to let it all out as this will help vent any pent-up emotions that may be manifesting as physical issues. If you really want to kick up the emotions, make a voice note where you literally talk it out completely. Listening or reading to your emotional purge 1 week or 1 month or 1 year later may help you recognise patterns, and provide clarity of any unresolved issues.
Mindful Body scan - a favorite technique of ours that you can even teach your kids - it involves focusing your attention on different parts of your body, starting from your toes and working all the way up to your head. Focus on each area, pay attention to any physical sensations, tension, or discomfort. Acknowledge any emotions that arise without judgment, and try to release them by consciously squeezing then relaxing the muscles in that area. This may help you reconnect with your body and release stored emotional energy.
Your mental health is a vital part of your overall health and wellbeing. If you would like any further tips, advice or help, feel free to reach out to us. This post is intended to provide simple advice and is not a substitute for medical advice. If your mental health is a concern, ensure to consult with your Doctor, Psychologist or Mental Health Worker.